Double Amputee Summits Kilimanjaro

Climbed rock and snow using hands

On Tuesday, double amputee Spencer West reached the summit of 19,341-foot Mount Kilimanjaro, climbing the rock and snow using only his hands. The 30-year-old Canadian, who works as a motivational speaker, completed the seven-day trek up Africa's tallest mountain as the sun rose. West lost both legs below the pelvis at age five to sacral agenesis, a rare genetic disease that stunts spinal growth. His Redefine Possible expedition to Kilimanjaro raised $500,000 for Free The Children's project to bring clean drinking water to Kenyan children. "The bleeding fingers and blisters were all worth it," West said.